Over 5,000 police ranks and officers were recognised and awarded for their outstanding performance in crime fighting this year. The ranks received incentives totaling $173 million, an increase from last year’s $150 million.
“We recognise your work today, your work have not gone unnoticed,” Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ravindradat Budhram said at the Force’s annual awards ceremony on Thursday.
Among the thousands of ranks awarded, six ranks were rewarded for cracking the multi-million dollar robbery of Toucan Industries Limited.
On July 3, 2024 two men disguised themselves as police ranks and robbed a 65-year-old manager of a Toucan of $10 million at a local bank in Georgetown.
The ranks were able to arrest one of the suspects and recover some $1.5 million.
Several ranks were also recognised and awarded for a major drug bust involving two Guyana Defence Force (GDF) in July. Edward McCalmont, a 40-year-old Corporal who was stationed at Camp Ayanganna and John Johnson, a 24-year-old Lance Corporal from Base Camp Stephenson were found with 316 pounds of narcotics during an intelligence-led operation by the Special Branch and other police units.
Additionally, ranks involved in the July 24 seizure of firearms and ammunition on Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, Georgetown were also rewarded.
On July 24, Eon Fagundes was arrested after ranks searched his premises and found over 26 high-powered rifles and handguns along with over 1,600 rounds of ammunition of different calibres.
The inventory included various firearms such as Sig Sauer, Ruger, FN-45, Smith and Wesson, Berretta, Spring Field, Canik, and Glock models, each accompanied by corresponding magazines and ammunition rounds.
Several departments and units were also recognised and awarded such as the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) for investigations in money laundering, extortion and larceny by public servants.
Meanwhile, the Best Cop for 2024 is Cadet Officer Prince of the Criminal Investigations Department. Cadet Officer Prince is stationed at Narcotics Unit.
He received $250,000 from Queensway Security and $500,000 on behalf of Secure Innovation and Concepts along with other prizes.
“As I accept this honour I am reminded of the profound importance of our duties as police officers, to serve and protect the citizens of Guyana,” the top cop said during remarks.
He highlighted that their duty is not theirs alone to fulfill and added: “It demands strong partnerships with our communities, cooperation with national and international agencies and the unwavering support of all stakeholders.”
Cadet Officer Prince was also recognised as the Best Criminal Investigations Department Cop for 2024.
“This recognition is not merely a testament to my individual efforts but rather a reflection of the unwavering support, collaboration and dedication of the many individuals I have had the privilege of working in CID and across the various divisions,” he said.
Speaking directly to his fellow ranks and officers, Cadet Officer Prince said, “Every challenge you face is an opportunity to learn, to grow and to contribute to the greater good. Stay committed and your efforts will make a difference.”
Detective Inspector Seetaram of Regional Division Eight was announced as the runner up best cop for 2024.
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